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Nintendo Recap

Nintendo's E3 press conference this year came out swinging, with the debut of the new 3DS hardware, and even several software surprises. The 3DS, apparently the official name, received the largest focus of the show, including word of new first-party and eventual third-party titles planned for the platform. Nintendo's usual focus on sales charts was kept to a minimum, as the conference was stuffed with new game announcements that helped build a steady momentum. Check below for everything that came out of the conference.

First Look at the 3DS Hardware

Though we all knew Nintendo was planning to unveil the 3DS, they actual device had been shrouded in mystery until now. This actually came at the end of the show, but since it got most of Nintendo's attention, it got most of ours as well. The device itself looks almost exactly like the current DS model, though it sports a 3.5 inch top screen and a "slide pad" for analog control. It also comes packaged with a motion sensor and accelerometer -- but as not to interfere with the 3D effect, only the bottom screen is touch sensitive.

The device also comes equipped with two cameras on the outside, which will allow users to take 3D pictures. And though Nintendo wasn't sharing many details yet, they claim it can also display 3D movies. The company mentioned partnerships with with Disney, Warner Bros., and Dreamworks. And of course, as a selling point for the system, all of these functions (including the movies) could be viewed without the use of 3D glasses.

Finally, the device is equipped with some form of "always on" functionality. Iwata teased that it's a lot like what we've seen on the Wii and former DS, but is more automatic. As a result, it can download new data like ghost races from other 3DS systems without the player even realizing it.

Fortunately, Nintendo also recognized that while hardware is all well and good, gamers care about the games. The 3DS already has a pretty massive number of games announced for it, including 3rd-person action game Kid Icarus Uprising and Nintendogs + cats. Third-party support is no slouch either, as the company showed off a number of partnerships. Square Enix (Kingdom Hearts), Activision, Level 5, THQ, Electronic Arts, Tecmo Koei, Capcom (Resident Evil), Warner Bros., Ubisoft (Assassin's Creed), Namco Bandai, and Konami (Metal Gear Solid) were all announced for the device.

Shortly after the conference, Ubisoft announced its six planned titles including Ghost Recon and Splinter Cell. Only a few moments after that, we discovered a gigantic list of planned games, including new additions to Star Fox, Pilotwings, Paper Mario, and Mario Kart. It's simply too massive to mention them all here, so check out the full list for details.

While Nintendo's 3DS was the big finish, the company tried to put their best foot forward at the beginning as well. The show opened with the announcement and live stage demonstration of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The look of the game borrows from both the more realistic Twilight Princess character art, and the Wind Waker cel-shading. It's been announced for a release sometime in 2011.

Players use a MotionPlus-equipped Wii remote to control Link's sword, and the nunchuck to control his shield. The game seems to put heavy emphasis on angle of attack, since most enemies have protection from certain sword swipes. The sword can be charged for a beam of energy, and when out of combat mode Link can run and climb over small obstacles. Unfortunately, the demonstration was riddled with technical problems, which Nintendo chalked up to "wireless interference." They claim the game will work perfectly in hands-on demonstrations, so we'll report back our own findings.

Nintendo has used a lot of its cast of characters on the Wii, but today's show reminded us that the well hasn't run dry. The company announced that Retro Studios, fresh off its Metroid titles, is making the side-scrolling action title Donkey Kong Country Returns. It looks every bit an updated follow-up to the SNES classics. Kirby's Epic Yarn was also announced at the show, featuring a unique visual style that stitches the elements together from bits of fabric and yarn. Finally, Nintendo showed a gameplay trailer for Mario Sports Mix, featuring the Mario cast playing volleyball, hockey, dodgeball, and basketball.

Of course, not everything could be a surprise. We saw a gameplay demonstration of Epic Mickey, which showed off the 3D platforming along with a 2D stage. We couldn't tell if it got a graphical overhaul, which means it probably didn't. The new Golden Sun received the subtitle Dark Dawn. And short trailers were shown for Metroid: Other M, coming August 31, and the new Goldeneye.

Conspicuously absent was any mention of the Vitality Sensor. We expected Nintendo to finally show off their plans for the device, but now we have to wonder if they're still planning to release it at all. And while the 3DS debut was nice, no price or release window was mentioned, so we're still mostly in the dark.

Kid Icarus didn't look that great I thought, not much better than current DS graphics even though Nintendo are saying the graphics will top the Wii. Although processing power is being used for the 3D effects, so I expect any non 3D games to look much better.

Nintendo comes out with a fairly significantly goofy animated and live-action intro with Reggie and Iwata going at each other. Looks like they got the Robot Chicken guys to animate some of the transitions here. At least these guys look like they're having fun.